Green Meadow, Delaware | |
|---|---|
  Green Meadow  Green Meadow | |
| Coordinates: 39°47′25″N 75°31′04″W / 39.79028°N 75.51778°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Delaware |
| County | New Castle |
| Elevation | 256 ft (78 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code | 302 |
| GNIS feature ID | 217144[1] |
Green Meadow, originally Greenmeadow and also called Green Meadows, is an unincorporated community in New Castle County, Delaware, United States.[1][2] Green Meadow is located south of Wilson Road and east of Shipley Road to the northeast of Wilmington. It borders the Gardens of Penny Lane, Lynnfield, and Shipley Heights. Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, lived in the community in the early 1960s.
History
The community was founded in 1954, and consisted of 47 "ranch-type houses," air conditioned by York Refrigeration & Condition.[3] Within the first day of being open to public inspection, 16 homes were sold. The houses gained popularity in the area for their air conditioning, as a heat wave was sweeping through the area at the time.[4][5]
One of the original residents was interviewed in 1994, "That [air conditioning] was something new then. It was the Fourth of July and, I remember, very, very hot. This was the only sample [house] we saw that day that was air-conditioned, and they offered it in the price range we wanted," she said. "There were only a couple of houses built not a tree in sight and we had to go to the post office to get our mail. But we had air conditioning."[6]
An advertisement published by The Morning News wrote, "You really ought to investigate and learn why residents of Greenmeadow—the most "talked-about" and exclusive new "Brandywine Hundred" community—consider these "Heat Wave" headlines tedious beyond words. The reason, of course, AIR-CONDITIONING, by York, a considerably important complement to your family's health, comfort, and freedom from dust and allergy. And at a fabulously low cost to the new home buyer, considering the other amazing features incorporated by the Greenmeadow home builders. You will enjoy year-round comfort in Greenmeadow homes—architect-planned for comfortable, free-and-easy family life. Close to economical new shopping centers, efficient new schools, and adjacent to the "go-anywhere" Turnpike, you'll be glad tomorrow if you decide to buy in Greenmeadow today."[7]
A different advertisement published by the Journal–Every Evening wrote, "And Greenmeadow homes are full of so may good things . . . perhaps we shouldn't be surprised at the speed with which they have approached the "sold out" level. What were some of the exciting features that attracted so many pleased buyers? Well for one thing, Greenmeadow is brick. But that's only the beginning. What a kitchen! There's an American garbage disposal unit so you don't have to store or transport waste. The handsome cabinets are by Kelvinator, with sliding glass doors. Keeping your kitchen clean will be easy, with tile splash walls and Formica work surfaces. When you live in Greenmeadow, you'll find yourself in a really handsome environment. Greenmeadow homes are architect-planned for comfortable, free-and-easy family life. Close to economical new shopping centers, efficient new schools, and adjacent of the "go-any where" Turnpike, this development is the most "talked-about" in exclusive new "Brandywine Hundred" communities. But remember, you must act quickly. It is quite possible that this will be the very last advertisement!"[8]
Later in the year the roads were expanded, and 33 more houses were built in the community, bringing the total to near 80.[9]
In 1958, Chapman Construction added additional houses to the development, called "Meadowbrook."[10] The area of new houses was called "Greenmeadow II."[11]
In c. 1964, Greenmeadow was the home of Joe Biden, who later became the 46th President of the United States.[12]
In July 1989, Shellpot Creek, which flows next to the community, overflowed and surged up to the nearest homes.[13] "It came right up to here," a resident said. "We were lucky it wasn't worse, but I can tell you it made us reform. We have flood insurance now. Don't let the way it looks now fool you. Any time we get rain, the water rushes right down here. It's not unusual for the creek to come 10 feet over its bank."[14]
In 1991, The Gardens of Penny Lane, a new community consisting of larger and more modern homes, was connected to Greenmeadow.[15]
Notable people
References
- ^ a b "Green Meadow". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
- ^ "Green Meadow Populated Place Profile / New Castle County, Delaware Data". delaware.hometownlocator.com.
- ^ "16 Greenmeadow Homes Sold; Sample Open in Unit of 47". Journal–Every Evening. June 5, 1954 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "YORK Can Make Your OLD Home NEW (advertisement)". Journal–Every Evening. June 19, 1954 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Like to Laugh at These Headlines?". The Morning News. July 10, 1954 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Parks, Jim". The News Journal. May 19, 1994 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Like to Laugh at These Headlines?". The Morning News. July 10, 1954 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "all good things must come to an end (just a few left) (advertisement)". Journal–Every Evening. July 24, 1954 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Delivery Of Mail For Green Meadows". The Morning News. November 30, 1954 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Features In Newest Model". Journal–Every Evening. September 8, 1958 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Features In Newest Model". Journal–Every Evening. September 8, 1958 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "2-car crash injures 3". The Morning News. August 4, 1964 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Parks, Jim". The News Journal. May 19, 1994 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Parks, Jim". The News Journal. May 19, 1994 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Petta, Sandra (July 21, 1991). "Unique Homes Attract Attention". The News Journal – via Newspapers.com.